Nikolaison revels in rain

Racing in the rain for the first time proved no hindrance for Masterton motorcycle racer Ben Nikolaison in the first round of the TSS Winter Series in Taupo over the weekend.

Making his debut in club racing at the Bruce McLaren circuit, the 25-year-old’s nerves were tested when rain forced him to race on wet weather tyres for the first time.

But that did not deter Nikolaison, who finished third in the F2 class in his first race on his Kawasaki ZX6R. He followed that up with two further thirds in the senior sprint races, then a first place in the second of the senior trophy races.

At the end of the weekend’s racing Nikolaison was first in the F2 Senior Trophy Series, raced over longer distances, and second in the F2 Senior Sprint Series, raced over shorter distances.

He is fourth overall in the Trophy, and Sprint series.

Nikolaison was stoked with his performance.

“I can’t complain. It was my first time racing and my first time in the wet.

“I definitely wasn’t the fastest but improving every race. Trying to be consistent and finishing every race will hopefully be the key.”

The next round in the five-round championship is at the Circuit Chris Amon, Manfeild, on June 8.